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Sunflowers, also known as Sunflowers, are vibrant yellow flowers and are the most beloved species. With their beautiful meanings, this flower is often used as a spiritual gift to send to friends, family, and loved ones. So, sunflowers have origins, characteristics, and meanings, let's explore in detail through the article on Mytour Blog.
Characteristics of Sunflowers
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are herbaceous plants with a lifespan of about 1 year. The stem is straight, covered by a layer of white fuzz, and reaches a height of about 1 - 3m.
The leaves of this plant are large, dark green in color. They have pointed tips, heart-shaped with serrated edges. Sunflower leaves grow alternately along the stem, with both sides covered in white fuzz.
Sunflowers boast vibrant yellow petals with brown centers, bisexual flowers. Their petals are thin, lance-shaped. Typically, these flowers bloom from July to October.
Currently, there are two types of sunflowers: tall sunflowers and dwarf sunflowers. Tall sunflowers reach heights of 1 - 3.5m, with flower diameters ranging from 7 - 10cm. They are often cultivated in fields and gardens to serve tourists. Conversely, dwarf sunflowers stand at a modest 30 - 60cm tall, with flower diameters of about 5 - 10cm. Dwarf sunflowers are usually potted for decorative purposes, beautifying living spaces.
Sunflowers, with their vibrant yellow blooms, bask gloriously under the sun. (Source: Internet)Origin of the Sunflower
Sunflowers originate from North America, then spread across Europe and many countries worldwide, including Vietnam. In Vietnam, this flower is extensively cultivated in provinces such as Lao Cai, Nghe An, Da Lat, and more.
In Greek mythology, the sunflower stems from the unrequited love of a mermaid for the sun god. Despite not receiving reciprocation, the mermaid perpetually awaits the affection of the sun god. Touched by her sincere devotion, the gods transform the mermaid into a flower always facing the sun. That flower is the sunflower.
Sunflowers are a common sight in Vietnam. (Source: Internet)Meaning of the Sunflower
The sunflower is a beautiful flower with many different meanings. Below are some of the deepest and most wonderful meanings of this flower:
Significance of the Sunflower in Life
In life, the sunflower also carries many very special meanings:
- Expresses optimism, strength, always looking towards a bright future.
- Shows gratitude, respect for loved ones.
- The sunflower symbolizes resilience, fierceness, hence it is also regarded as a meaningful longevity flower.
- The sunflower is also a symbol of luck, happiness, and overflowing vitality.
- This flower also represents trust, sincerity, and unity among people.
Sunflowers carry many beautiful meanings in life (Source: Internet)Meaning of the Sunflower in Love
In love,
Sunflowers are symbols of everlasting love (Source: Internet)Meaning of the Sunflower in Feng Shui
In Eastern culture, the sunflower symbolizes loyalty, fidelity, and eternity. With its bright colors, the sunflower brings a positive feng shui energy source. Therefore, decorating with sunflowers in the home contributes to creating a fresh space and fosters bonding among family members.
In Europe, the sunflower always brings joy and happiness, symbolizing determination and faith in life. Hence, people gift each other this flower on special occasions.
Meaning of the Sunflower According to Color
Besides yellow, the sunflower also comes in colors like purple, red, pink, orange, etc. Each color carries a different meaning, for example:
- Yellow Sunflowers: Symbolize warmth, freshness, and are a representation of hope, happiness, and longevity.
- Red Sunflowers: Reflect a positive attitude, strength, and optimism in life.
- Brown Sunflowers: Signify loyalty, readiness to support, and provide a strong support system for loved ones.
Each sunflower color carries its own meaning (Source: Internet)Uses of the Sunflower Plant
Not only used for beautifying spaces or as gifts for others, the sunflower also has many health benefits. Each part of the plant has different uses, such as:
- Sunflower leaves, when dried and boiled with 5g of buffalo horn, can help treat high blood pressure and aid digestion. Simply drink it twice a day, continuously for about 5 days.
- Sunflower petals boiled in water can help reduce facial swelling and headaches. Boil 60g of petals with 10g of rock sugar and drink it three times a day, continuously for 10 days.
- Boiling 30g of sunflower petals with one chicken egg and water, drinking it twice a day, can help treat eye diseases.
- Crush the core of the stem and boil it with hot water, drinking it once a day can treat chronic cough and bronchitis.
- Sunflower seeds have a calming effect, reducing loss of appetite and physical weakness. Sunflower seed shells help improve tinnitus.
Each part of the sunflower has many surprising health benefits (Source: Internet)Planting and Caring for Sunflowers
Currently, sunflowers are widely planted in fields, gardens, farms, and even around homes. The methods for planting and caring for sunflowers are not overly complex, so anyone can plant and care for them at home.
Planting Techniques
Sunflowers can be planted using two different techniques: seed sowing and stem cutting.
Seed Sowing Technique
Preparation:
- Seeds: Use healthy, disease-free, and mold-free seeds.
- Pot.
- Soil: Use loose, nutrient-rich soil for planting.
Implementation:
- Step 1: Soak the seeds in warm water for about 8 hours to effectively stimulate germination. When soaking the seeds, place them in a cool, sunny location.
- Step 2: Fill the pot with soil, dig a hole for sowing seeds to a depth of about 2.5cm.
- Step 3: Sow the seeds into the hole and cover with soil on top.
Sunflowers grow from the seed sowing technique (Source: Internet)Branch Cutting Technique
Preparation:
- Sunflower branch: Healthy cuttings with no signs of disease or damage.
- Soil: Loamy soil rich in nutrients.
Implementation:
- Step 1: Cut the tip of the branch with healthy shoots, with a length of about 6 - 8cm.
- Step 2: Remove the base leaves and eliminate any diseased nodes.
- Step 3: Allow the cut to dry before planting the branch in sand. Plant to a depth of about ⅛ - ½ the length of the branch.
- Step 4: After about 20 days, the seedlings will develop, and when they reach a height of about 2cm, they can be transplanted into soil-filled pots.
Caring for Sunflowers
To ensure optimal growth of sunflowers, maintain soil moisture by watering the plants regularly, approximately twice a day in the early morning and late afternoon. When watering, be gentle, preferably using a small watering can to avoid damaging the plants.
Additionally, fertilize the plants twice a week to provide nutrients for optimal growth. Every month, you can also apply organic or NPK fertilizer. Sunflowers thrive in sunny locations, so plant them where they can receive ample sunlight to facilitate photosynthesis. During maintenance, keep the area around the base of the plants clean by removing weeds and loosening the soil. As sunflowers mature, you can spray insecticides to prevent damage from pests like caterpillars and moths.
Sunflowers require regular watering every day (Source: Internet)Beautiful Images of Sunflowers
Beautiful images of sunflower bouquets for Mother's Day on March 8th and October 20th (Source: Internet)
Gorgeous pictures of sunflower bouquets perfect for your loved one (Source: Internet)
Stunning images of sunflower fields (Source: Internet)
Lovely pictures of sunflower blossoms (Source: Internet)Some Related Questions
When Should You Give Sunflowers?
Sunflowers can be given to friends, family, or loved ones on any occasion, such as birthdays, Valentine's Day on February 14th, International Women's Day on March 8th, Vietnamese Women's Day on October 20th, graduation, opening ceremonies, wedding days, etc. The gift becomes more meaningful when the recipient also loves this flower.
How Many Days Does It Take for Sunflowers to Bloom?
Normally, it takes from 50 to 70 days from seed sowing to sunflower blooming.
Where to Buy Sunflowers and How Much Do They Cost?
Currently, sunflowers have become very popular. You can buy them at nurseries, flower shops, specialty stores selling seedlings, and reputable online shopping apps like Mytour. Sunflower prices typically range from 50,000 to 70,000 VND per plant depending on the size.
Here are the details about the characteristics, origins, meanings, planting, and caring for sunflowers that you should know. With October 20th approaching, gifting a bouquet of sunflowers to your beloved women is truly a wonderful idea. If you love flowers, don't forget to plant some sunflowers to make your space fresher and more vibrant. Don't forget to visit Mytour Blog every day to get more useful information.
